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Easter is right around the corner! With a 4 month old sweetie at home I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to dress her up! I have fantastic memories of fun-filled Easters growing up, and as I think about recreating those traditions for my daughter, it strikes me that this could get expensive! However, I have come up with some ways to have a frugal Easter and still have a wonderful Easter full of great memories!
Clothes: Oh, the adorable little dresses! So cute, but so expensive! I looked at Kohl’s last year when I was pregnant, and even with a sale and coupon, a dress would still run me anywhere from $20-$30 dollars! Is it just me, or is that a lot of money to spend on a dress that she will wear once? Even if she wore it several times, that is still more money than I am willing to pay. Check out ebay for girls dresses and boys suits – there are so many cute options for less than $5. Thrift store are also a good option as outfits like these are only worn once! Also, check out Zulily, Totsy, Mamabargains, or Babysteals for deals on new clothing.
For Next Year: Check clearance racks after Easter this year for next year’s clothes. Buy them a little big and at a deep discount!
Food: Another awesome thing about Easter is Easter dinner. Traditionally, my family had ham, salad, au gratin potatoes, rolls, a couple of other sides, as well as desserts. While that all that sounds fantastic, it also sound expensive, right? My first suggestion is to plan the menu ahead of time. This allows you to pay attention to sale ads several weeks in advance and stock up on items as they go on sale. Also, consider choosing a less expensive meat option for the big meal, like chicken or fish. Maybe try doing a potluck-style meal with family or friends. Assign each family or friend attending a side dish or dessert, have the host provide the main dish, and help defray the cost for everyone!
Candy/Presents: The last, and, quite frankly, the most vivid memory is our Easter baskets and egg hunts. As a child, my grandparents filled Easter baskets to the brim with candy and toys. As we became older, my grandparents even put together scavenger hunts that led us to our baskets. Fun, right? While candy is not necessary for a happy Easter, it certainly is fun, so this year, make homemade cookies and candy. Children will not know the difference, and you can be more prepared for next year. Also, check out the dollar store for baskets, eggs, and small trinkets to keep the cost low. For Next Year: Check the clearance aisle 2 days after Easter for clearance baskets, eggs, decorations, dye kits and presents. Another thing I’m going to do is buy candy on clearance from each holiday to use for the next one. For example, I bought clearance Valentine’s day candy to use for Easter. Easter is such a fun holiday, especially with little one – so don’t let money stress ruin it for you!
How do you keep Easter – and all holiday – costs low?
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Petrish @ Debt Free Martini says
You are so right about the easter dresses being so expensive for just one special day. To make myself justify the price for my daughters holiday dresses, I steer clear away from the dresses that only reflect that particular holiday. I purchase a dress that she could wear possible year round. That way I get my money worth and I can steer away from the word called guilt.
[email protected] says
Good Idea! I like it :_)
Lisa says
My kids are the first grandchildren on both sides of the family, so I am SWIMMING in Easter outfits. I have two boys and literately have SIX outfits to choose from. My frugal tips? Hit up the ‘rents. Also, I didn’t particularly care for my Easter morning baskets, so I’m eliminating them and incorporating a lot of Easter crafts throughout Lent. Love your tips. No reason to go crazy!
[email protected] says
Love this idea! Unfortunately (or fortunately, depends on how you look at it) our daughter is the first grandchild on both sides, so there are no hand-me downs, but the grandparents are super willing to buy her cute little outfits. LOVE the grandparents!
Janell K. says
I do the same thing by stocking up for the following year, and I take advantage of recent holiday clearance items, too. It doesn’t matter if the trinkets are heart shaped or the candy is red and white. The kids love them!
[email protected] says
Good thinking! I just love the 50%-90% off holiday stuff, don’t you? You are absolutely right – the kids don’t care!